It’s been well over a month since I have done a post. I’m hoping that I still have a few followers! I have been so behind that I just haven’t taken time to do a blog post. Every spare minute that Carter is napping has been spent sewing projects for a new book. The projects in the book are all small – in fact they are all runners or toppers – as that is all I can seem to get done! (Well, that isn’t the only reason. I happen to LOVE everything about runners and toppers.)

So are you wondering why I am so behind? I am usually really motivated when it comes to quilting and love getting lots of projects done . . . . So what happened? Let’s just say I’ve had a couple of things that have set me behind schedule in January and February.

First of all, I took way too many naps in January and February. And I hate naps! I didn’t even take naps when Carter was a newborn. I just couldn’t kick feeling soooo tired. I also wasn’t feeling well. I felt like I had the stomach flu (or certain parts of it). No throwing up, but just dizzy and nauseous. It really affected my creativity at a time when I was supposed to be coming up with new ideas. I am feeling much better now. Let’s just say it’s something that about 13 weeks or so couldn’t fix.

Yep. You guessed it. Baby # 2 is on the way! Carter is going to be a big brother.

I’m sure many of you are wondering if we had to go through as much as we did to have Carter (read about this here). We were so fortunate that we didn’t have to do IVF this time around. After all the doctoring that we did with Carter, plus my age, our OB recommended not waiting long before trying, giving it a few tries, then going straight to IVF. No pressure huh?

We followed his advice and used some routine fertility treatments. We had some ups and downs in this process, including some early successes, and some disappointments. After about 8 months, I called the IVF clinic to reserve a spot. They said there wasn’t a waiting list and they wouldn’t set up an appointment until I knew for sure that the last round of treatment hadn’t worked. I felt for sure that I didn’t feel anything and wasn’t pregnant.

Turned out I was wrong! An ultrasound at 5 weeks revealed a normal pregnancy (just one, and in the right place). A second one showed things were still good. The third one showed the same, along with a heartbeat. At this point we told just a few people. Blood work and genetic tests at 11 weeks showed that everything was normal. We were so grateful to learn that everything was good! Unlike the tests of old that weren’t nearly as accurate, this test is like 99% accurate. (This test is for high risk patients or people over 35). The test also tells you the sex of the baby – Yes all from a simple blood test! No more waiting for the ultrasound at 20 weeks. My way of telling Joel what we were having was to tell him we were getting a permanent fish house, not a sewing machine. In other words, Carter is getting a baby brother. I had been joking with Joel, that I was eventually going to have to take up ice fishing if I wanted to see my boys in the winter. Now we are going to have to get once for sure!

We are now at 18 weeks and I am finally ready to share with everyone. I have been so nervous to tell people too soon. I know we have a long way to go yet, but everything is looking good and we are well through the miscarriage window. I am starting to fill out my maternity clothes, so I am no longer able to hide it. I felt movement at about 14 weeks and since then, the little guy has been really active. I love the reassurance that movement brings. My due date is August 26th.

Here is a short video that we sent to our nieces and nephews to announce our addition —

(It isn’t the most creative announcement, but we still thought it was kinda cute. Especially when Carter’s first guess of the ultrasound picture was a puppy.)

So, now you know what’s been happening around here! Was anyone suspicious? I shared the news with my quilting group at our last meeting. I told them I wasn’t making any big quilts, but have been busy making runners because that is all I can get done. We joked that after this baby, I will be doing a book on pot holders. I have been laughing about it ever since. I sure hope there is a market for pot holders, because I hate to give up time with my precious boys and it’s really hard to break the quilting addiction!

So happy for you two and Carter. He will love his little Brother. And Heather, do not worry about what you are getting done, because you are accomplishing alot. You are having a baby. Children are only little once. Quilting can wait in terms of the big items. About the sickness…. was sick with all three of my children, but none with no 4. And that is how many I had and now years later, eight Grandkids to make quilts for. Take it a day a-time an enjoy

Congratulations! I was wondering what was up, and it did go thru my mind…i wonder if she’s pregnant! 2 boys together is very sweet! Buddies for life. My daughter had 2 children with fertility treatment, and now has had 2 more on her own! They are all blessings!

Congratulations on your big news. I have three grown up kids a girl and 2 boys. The boys are different in looks and temprament but are the best of friends enjoying many of the same things. Am sure your boys will be enjoy each other

Oh congratulations to all of you, how precious was that of Carter kissing the photo! I’m so happy for you. It’s not easy I know, been there, but we were truly blessed with one beautiful girl and now she’s a mom! So thrilled. I kinda wondered where you’ve been😊again sooo happy for you and family.

Glad you are back, and even more glad to find out the reason you had been ‘gone’! Wishing you and your family all the best. Oh, and I love to make pot holders, am sure they will be lovely, well-designed ones!

Way to go! Congrats. to all three of you. That Carter is so precious. I hope your next one is just like him. Have you picked a name yet? Carter is a very bright child. I’m happy for you.
I love table runners and anything I can finish in a hurry. Spend all the time you can with the children. They grow up fast.

Oh Heather, congratulations to you both. How wonderful!!! I HAVE been wondering where you have been. So glad you were absent for a great reason. Remember, us older moms have a harder time finding energy, so get all the rest and help you can ;) Prayers for another healthy baby/pregnancy.

Have to add my congratulations too! (“oh my gosh”, and teary eyes happened here as I read your awesome news) It seems that no matter what patterns or fabric you are creating, I would like to have it all! I look forward to some very cute potholders! Nope, never met you, but I so enjoy reading about your family and seeing the beautiful pictures! Congratulations little family!!

OK, I will say it. I am thrilled you are having two of a kind :) Lots of people want one of each, but I was glad to have two of a kind. When their parents are long gone they will have each other. I love my brothers but my sister and I share more, always have and always will. My brothers share more with each other too. Isn’t that a little bit true with you and your sibs? ;)

Congratulations! Great news for your family! All of us quilting mothers know how busy you’ll be so we won’t mind a book about potholders! There will be a day when those boys are grown and out of the house…and it happens way too quickly. You are blessed!

Baby blessings to you all :) After having 3 daughters and 2 granddaughters we now have a grandson. I have heard boys are way more active….. Life could get kind of crazy. But it will be a good kind of crazy. Take care. Glad to hear all is going well. Janita

That’s exciting news! The last thing you need to do is worry about how much blogging and sewing you are getting done…you have more important things to take care of right now and we;ll all be here when you pop in. Congratulations on your newest blessing and yes, there is still an interest in potholders. I am always making them and getting requests for more. :)

Congrats! I too slept for the first 2 months of my 2nd pregnancy. It was much easier for us the 2nd time around too. Praying you have a healthy pregnancy and looking forward to all the new baby quilts you’ll create. I don’t get to quilt as much with 2 around, but I still find my “me” time.

Congratulations Heather — and to Joel and Carter too! How very exciting! We knew you would be back and what’s a month amongst friends ? Take good care of yourself now – can’t wait to see that new book of patterns. Cheers! Karen

I was hoping all was well and apparently it’s very well! So happy for you and Joel, Heather! Congratulations – hope Carter isn’t too disappointed that it doesn’t end up being a puppy! Looking forward to the potholder book. Adding you to our prayer list that your pregnancy is healthy and you have another wonderful little boy to add to the clan! (Hey, maybe you could do a book on seat cushions for fish houses!)

Whee Hew! I am elated for you guys! Just wait until there are 2 little boys to destroy the house in just seconds. uh-huh. I guess this explains why I don’t see you on the vendor list for Quilt Market in Pittsburgh – – great reason for skipping school. HA! I wish you a smooth pregnancy. =)
~Julie

Congratulations! I had sort of been thinking that something like this might be happening, Carter is nearly 2 etc. I have two boys, two years and four months apart, as well as an older daughter. Boys are fun! Mine are so different from each other, but both lovely. I hate how over 35 is considered high risk. So many people are beginning their families at this age nowadays, by choice, not only because of difficulties. High risk makes us mid 30s seem really old I think!

I’m a little late getting the news here, I had to search the archives to find your announcement after I opened up your blog the other day and low and behold…Carter had an adorable, beautiful baby brother!!! Congratulations everyone, I’m am so delighted for you. I haven’t been online much as my health has not been conducive to joining in the blog surfing/sewing departments, but I had to take a minute to say congrats. Also want to mention Heather, that you said something about this not being a very creative post. My gosh woman!!! I don’t know about you, but I think your newest little creation is pretty phenomenal. Again, Congratulations and I’m praying for wonderful things for your growing family. Big Hugzzzzzzz…..

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Hi! You have reached the blog of designer Heather Mulder Peterson. I design and publish quilt patterns, along with a few other things. I hope you'll stop by often to see what's happening in my little world!

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